Are you familiar with the fact that John Brown was in the wool industry, and that he had attempted to create a "cartel" of wool producing interests? Also the men who financed him were wealthy men of Massachusetts which is where he tried to set up his "wool cartel."
Ever since I found out that John Brown was a wool merchant, I wondered how much hatred he had for cotton growers who were his primary competition in the fabric industry of that era. Was it hatred of slavery for the sake of the slaves, or hatred of wealthy men who were getting rich off of slavery while he struggled with his wool sales?
I nowadays no longer simply accept claims of altruism and being motivated by the milk of human kindness, especially when there is a discernible financial angle to see.
People have a funny way of seeing whatever is in their best financial interest as "moral."
Possibly. But what are the chances it goes the other way - Brown hated the cotton plantations so he tried to promote wool?
One thing I am pretty much certain of is that John Brown hated slavery and slave owners in way that is difficult for folks like me to understand. Remember, he died trying steal arms for a massive slave uprising, Nat Turner writ large. I think his hatred of slavery motivated him more than any love of money.